HPRA marks 30 years with new strategy to shape better health outcomes in a dynamic regulatory environment

The Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD launching the HPRA Strategic Plan 2026–2029 outside Government Buildings, joined by HPRA Chief Executive Officer Grainne Power and Chair of the Authority, Paul Quinn.

The HPRA has today launched its Strategic Plan 2026–2029, setting out its priorities and direction for the next four years in a period of rapid scientific, medical and technological change. The strategy provides a clear roadmap for the continued protection of public and animal health, while supporting timely access to safe and effective health products in an increasingly complex regulatory environment. It outlines how the HPRA will respond to major developments including scientific innovation, evolving European legislation, digital transformation and global supply chain challenges, reflecting the organisation's commitment to trusted, future-focused regulation. 

Marking 30 years as Ireland’s independent health products regulator, the HPRA Strategic Plan 2026-2029 builds on its established strong track record and positions it to respond effectively to future demands and opportunities. It reinforces the HPRA's role within the European and international regulatory network and supports Ireland’s contribution to a regulatory system that safeguards health while enabling responsible innovation.

The HPRA regulates thousands of health products across multiple categories, from medicines and medical devices to blood and blood components, tissues and cells, organs for transplantation, and cosmetics. Its commitment to protecting people and animals through trusted regulation underpins the organisation's four strategic goals: 

• Strategic Goal 1 – Regulating for the future: supporting timely access to safe and effective health products through leadership, excellence and preparedness.
• Strategic Goal 2 – Digital first, data driven: driving digital transformation to modernise and optimise regulatory activities.
• Strategic Goal 3 – Partnerships, trust and transparency: driving regulatory impact and efficiency through strategic collaboration and partnerships to serve health system needs and strengthen public trust. 
• Strategic Goal 4 – People, capability and culture: inspiring and leading its people to build future-ready, innovative teams committed to excellence in protecting public and animal health.

The strategy was launched by the HPRA at Government Buildings, with Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill in attendance.

Commenting at the launch, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said  “I welcome the launch of the HPRA's Strategic Plan, which sets out a clear and ambitious agenda for the years ahead. At a time of significant change in healthcare, the Strategy recognises the need for a regulator that is trusted, responsive and equipped to meet emerging challenges. Alongside the HPRA's commitment to strengthening its ability to protect public health, is an important commitment to engaging with patients, healthcare professionals and stakeholders to ensure that its work continues to deliver real public value. I wish the HPRA every success in delivering this ambitious vision and look forward to the positive impact this Strategy will have particularly for patients and the health service in the years ahead."

Paul Quinn, Chair of the HPRA, said: “Trusted regulation has never been more important. As innovation accelerates and the health products landscape becomes increasingly complex, the HPRA must continue to anticipate change and provide leadership. This strategy provides a clear direction for the years ahead, ensuring we remain well positioned to protect public and animal health, support access to safe and effective products, and contribute to Ireland’s standing as a leading location for life sciences and regulatory excellence.” 

Grainne Power, HPRA Chief Executive, added: “The pace of innovation across science, technology and healthcare opens up significant new possibilities for patients, health systems and society. In this strategy, we set out how the HPRA will help to realise those opportunities through agile, trusted, science-led regulation. By strengthening and expanding our regulatory capability, embracing digital transformation, working closely with our partners, and investing in our people we can better support patient outcomes and enable innovation. We will continue to respond to change while maintaining public confidence in the health products that people across Ireland rely on every day.” 

The HPRA’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029 reinforces the organisation’s commitment to regulatory excellence in the public interest and recognises the critical role of trusted regulation in supporting health systems, patients, healthcare professionals, industry and wider society. It also underlines the HPRA’s contribution to a modern and resilient regulatory environment that can respond effectively to emerging health challenges while facilitating innovation and competitiveness. 

The full Strategic Plan 2026–2029 is available below. 

ENDS

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